Business, as set out on the Order Paper, will be taken as follows: Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5. As agreed to yesterday, Nos. 1, 3 and 5 will be discussed together. The second stages of Nos. 1 and 5 will be completed this evening and all stages of No. 3. I suggest we adjourn for lunch from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and, if it is agreed, that we should aim at seeing that the Minister begins his reply not later than 10 p.m.
Order of Business.
We have no objection.
On that, I object. I should like at this stage to know what decision has been made in regard to No. 8 on the Order Paper.
The subject matter of No. 8 is already under discussion on items Nos. 1, 3 and 5.
There was no indication on the Order of Business that discussion on the proposed free trade area with Britain would take place in this House. Therefore, that is a separate matter and must be treated as a separate item of discussion. The subterfuge of introducing the Minister for Finance, where the Taoiseach himself should bear the responsibility, is, to my mind, one way of treating this House with the contempt which the Taoiseach has shown for it over the years. I think——
The Chair is ruling that the subject matter of No. 8 is covered in the discussion on items Nos. 1, 3 and 5 which will now be resumed. I am calling on Senator Sheehy Skeffington to resume.
May I ask——
Senator Sheehy Skeffington to resume.
May I ask the Chair where in Nos. 1, 3 or 5 is there mention of what is the most significant event in this country for many years? Where is that specifically mentioned in any one of those three items?
In his opening statement the Minister adverted to the proposed agreement. That has thrown the matter open for discussion. It has already been widely discussed.
That ruling is absolutely disgraceful.
Senator Sheehy Skeffington, to resume.
I think the Senator should withdraw the word "disgraceful". If he wishes to challenge the ruling of the Chair, he should do so in the proper manner.
Senator McQuillan to resume his seat. Senator Sheehy Skeffington to resume.
I have been informed that this motion was to be discussed in conjunction with the other three items but that the Taoiseach could be called on to come here. I am satisfied the Taoiseach has no time for this House.
The Chair has given the Senator his last warning. He will resume his seat.
That kind of conduct is disgraceful on your part, too.
I think the Senator ought to be made withdraw that last statement.
You are not Chairman in addition to being Leader of the House.
This is not the Dáil.